Right now in Hollywood, it seems like there’s a never-ending list of announcements that an iconic franchise will be getting a brand new reboot. It feels like it’s only a matter of time before one of my favorite series, Twilight, gets its turn. The hugely successful original movie, Twilight, was released in 2008, based on the novels written by Stephanie Meyer, which were released in 2005. The series follows 17-year-old Bella Swan as she falls in love with Edward Cullen, who just so happens to be a vampire. This series has grown a huge fan base and trying to recreate that magic would be a huge challenge, and trying to replace the original cast would be even harder. That being said, I have a few up-and-coming actors in mind when thinking about who should inherit these legendary roles.
CAILEE SPAENY AS BELLA SWAN
Kristen Stewart is often made fun of for her portrayal of Bella Swan as this super awkward, homely teenage girl, but you have to admit that her performance is iconic. Cailee Spaeny immediately came to mind when thinking of a young actress who could play a modern Bella. Spaeny is an American actress best known for her role in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, in which she plays a young Priscilla Presley. Her previous roles prove she would nail Bella’s girl-next-door demeanor, and her features match Bella’s perfectly. Despite being a bit older than Stewart was when she played Bella, I think she would make a great choice for this role.
COSTA D’ANGELO AS EDWARD CULLEN
Arguably the most important role, finding an actor for Edward Cullen was the hardest for me, but I think I’ve done it. Costa D’Angelo is a newer actor, but he’s appeared in Tell Me Lies, East of Eden, and will feature in Netflix’s upcoming hockey show, The Sticks. Of course, Robert Pattinson’s Edward Cullen is unforgettable and it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role, however, I think D’Angelo would be a fresh choice. He’s around the same age as Spaeney and even kind of resembles Pattinson. A leading role like Edward could be just the thing to fully launch D’Angelo’s career.
JOEL OULETTE AS JACOB BLACK
As a team Edward girl, the character of Jacob is far from my favorite character, but I think this recast might make him a bit more redeemable. Joel Oulette totally won me over in his role as Tommy in Amazon Prime’s recent Carrie adaptation. Oulette is another newer actor, but I think a leading role like Jacob could help position him to be the next big thing. He’s also in the same age range as Spaeny and D’Angelo, and this new trio would be perfect to breathe new life into this classic love triangle.
Sophie Thatcher As Alice Cullen
Alice Cullen is my favorite Twilight character and Sophie Thatcher would be the ultimate choice for the role. Thatcher, mainly associated with her role as Natalie Scatorccio in Yellowjackets, is such an underrated upcoming “scream queen.” Thatcher’s vampirish aesthetic in real life makes it so easy to visualize her as one of the Cullens, and she’s already rocked Alice’s famous pixie cut. Thatcher’s wide acting range and soft goth aesthetic make her the best choice to play Alice.
Mark Eydelshteyn As Jasper HalE
Mark Eydelshteyn is one of the lesser-known actors on this list, with only one main role in the hit film Anora. That being said, I still think he would make an excellent Jasper. Jasper is one of the quieter vampires and has a haunted demeanor due to his traumatic backstory. Eydelshteyn has the same striking features as Jasper, and I think his novelty to acting would be perfect for a role like Jasper.
Savannah Smith As Rosalie Cullen
Savannah Smith is no stranger to reboots as she’s already starred in HBO’s Gossip Girl reboot and Amazon Prime’s Cruel Intentions reboot. She’s made her name playing catty mean girls who you can’t help but love. Rosalie starts the series as an antagonist to Bella, but as the series progresses, she starts to soften up. Smith already has experience portraying characters with frosty exteriors, so I know she’d be able to translate those skills into a role like Rosalie.
Hudson Williams As Emmett Cullen
The entire world fell in love with Hudson Williams this year after his role in the hit show, Heated Rivalry, skyrocketed him to fame. I think casting him as Emmett would be the only option. Williams has proved his acting skills in his role as Shane Hollander, and his charming but chaotic personality that came out in interviews make him the picture-perfect Emmett. Williams emits Emmett’s charming and laid-back personality naturally, so playing this role would be a piece of cake.
Any studio that takes on the responsibility of finding a new Twilight cast is up for a hard job. Hardcore fans of the original films would probably have a hard time accepting any new actors who attempt to take on their beloved characters. Nevertheless, if a Twilight reboot is ever in the cards, I think my casting choices would make for an excellent group to revamp the beloved film series.